As Pakistan struggles with the aftermath of recent floods, the new rain spell forecast from Sept 16 to 18 has raised fresh concerns. According to the Meteorological Department, showers are expected across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, northern and central Punjab, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Unlike August’s destructive downpours, the upcoming spell is likely to be moderate. Still, authorities have instructed district administrations to remain vigilant. Areas including Multan, Muzaffargarh, Liaquatpur, and Rahim Yar Khan remain at greater risk as India continues to release water into downstream rivers.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed breaches in embankments near Multan’s Basti Baharan, while deliberate cuts were made along the Uch Sharif road to protect the city, leaving surrounding villages submerged. In Jalalpur Pirwala, the pressure on Sher Shah dyke has eased slightly, delaying a planned breach.
Head Panjnad remains a critical point, with over 660,000 cusecs of floodwater recorded. Earlier, nearly 70 percent of Alipur went underwater, causing widespread devastation. Thousands of acres of crops, including cotton, rice, maize, and sesame, have been destroyed, while road links remain cut off in Qabulah and Lodhran. Families in Arifwala and Liaquatpur are living in makeshift shelters after being displaced.
The latest PDMA report shows a decline in flows at Trimmu and Sidhnai Headworks, but water levels at Panjnad and the Sutlej River remain dangerously high. Meanwhile, Tarbela Dam has reached full capacity, Mangla is 92 percent filled, and spillways of major reservoirs have been opened to release excess water.
Read More: Severe Urban Flooding Warning Issued for Karachi, Other Cities
Officials stress that saving lives, livestock, and property is the top priority. With the new rain spell forecast from Sept 16, relief teams are on standby, and residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain cautious.
